The Place
We visited these beautiful, but basic beach cabanas on Sri Lanka’s popular south-east coast recently, and discovered a host of similar cabanas and hostels just like them lining this stretch of palm-fringed-beach. However Galawatta Beach Cabanas stood out from the rest, set so close to the beach that the sound of breaking waves can cause a stir at night – other cabanas are set back from the beach closer to the road, which can be noisy. They’re strategically positioned in front of a reef, creating a natural pool and the only safe swimmable bit of sea for some distance.
The three cabanas are built from local wood, roofed with palm fronds and have basic bathrooms with solar powered heaters. Further along the beach they also host a pleasant whitewash house, which can be rented for larger groups.
The food at Galwatta is served in the privacy of your cabana’s veranda and provides easily the finest example of the Sri Lankan staple curry along the south-east coast. A short and pleasant barefoot stroll along the beach you’ll find restaurants and other hotels, hostels and cabana’s serving a variety of local and international food for a pleasing alternative.
Prices are rock bottom for $25 per night.